Lakefront Trail Maintenance Alert: Over the next several months, repairs will be made throughout the trail, one section at a time. Work will start on the south end and move north. Signage will be placed ahead of the construction site. Please be alert and safe, and avoid these active construction work zones. Learn more: Lakefront Trail Maintenance. Posted 9/15/26
Elston (Daniel) Park
Description
Elston Playlot Park is a 0.52 acre park located in the Avondale neighborhood (one block east of Kedzie Avenue, 2 ½ blocks north of Belmont). In summer 2015 the park received a new playground as part of the Chicago Plays! Renovation Program.
While there is no structured programming taking place at this location, we invite you to check out our great programs offered at nearby Brands Park.
History
As World War II drew to a close, the city began creating many new playgrounds and playlots to serve Chicago's growing population of young children. By 1950, the Bureau of Parks and Recreation had created a playlot on land leased from the Board of Education in the Avondale neighborhood. As the bureau's practice was then to name parks for adjacent streets, the site became known as Elston Park. The street name honors Daniel Elston, a merchant, banker, and real estate speculator who was elected as alderman in 1837, when Chicago had only six wards. Due to the City and Park Functions Exchange Act of 1957, the Chicago Park District assumed management of Elston Park in 1959, and the Board of Education formally transferred ownership in 1991. Park District improvements made the following year included a new soft surface playground.
Additional Information
For directions using public transportation visit www.transitchicago.com.
